Double heteroatom functionalization of arenes using benzyne three-component coupling.

Arynes participate in three-component coupling reactions with N, S, P, and Se functionalities to yield 1,2-heteroatom-difunctionalized arenes. Using 2-iodophenyl arylsulfonates as benzyne precursors, we could effectively add magnesiated S-, Se-, and N-nucleophilic components to the strained triple bond. In the same pot, addition of electrophilic N, S, or P reagents and a copper(I) catalyst trapped the intermediate aryl Grignard to produce a variety of 1,2-difunctionalized arenes.